Convocation celebrates achievements of graduates

Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference. —Arie Pencovici

The College of Education held its convocation ceremonies on Sunday, May 13, 2012, in front of an audience of family and friends of more than 350 graduates. Graduates of both on-campus and online degree programs were recognized for their accomplishments before standing to shift their mortar board tassels from right to left, signifying the completion of their education.

Leading the ceremonies was Dr. James Anderson, acting dean, who stood in for Dean Mary Kalantzis.

Anderson spoke for the entire College when he beamed about the soon-to-be former students: "Congratulations on a job very well done. And to the family, friends, and mentors here to watch, I hope you applaud long and loud. They have more than earned it, and we take great pride in their accomplishments."

For the first time ever, the College issued the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor bestowed in its inaugural year to Professor Emeritus Richard C. Anderson. Anderson's work in reading, comprehension, thinking, and education are among the most widely read books in the field of literacy.

"We thank him for his exceptional and sustained commitment to the profession and education of readers worldwide," said Dr. James Anderson.

Several Education students were recognized for their special achievements, including Bronze Tablet Scholars, the President's Award Program, James Scholars, and College of Education scholarship winners. In a special recognition, the College's 2012 Outstanding Student Medal award winners -- undergraduate Kelly Laxgang, master's student Shannon Irving, and doctoral candidate Erin Castro -- each gave a speech during the ceremony.

After all the graduates crossed the stage to receive their degree, the ceremonies closed with a salute from Dr. James Anderson: "We salute all graduates for who you are; we salute you for what you have accomplished; we salute you for who you will become and what you will accomplish in the future. Congratulations from all of us to all of you."

A reception for the graduates, faculty, family, and friends was held at the Education Building following the ceremony.